Milia: What Causes Them and How to Get Rid of Them359

Milia are small, white bumps that can appear on the skin, often around the eyes. They are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that is found in the skin, hair, and nails. Milia are not harmful, but they can be unsightly. There are a number of ways to get rid of milia, including using over-the-counter products, seeing a dermatologist, or using home remedies.

What Causes Milia?

Milia are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that is found in the skin, hair, and nails. Keratin is produced by the body's cells and is used to protect the skin from damage. When keratin builds up, it can form a small, white bump on the skin. Milia can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most common around the eyes, cheeks, and nose.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of milia, including:
Age: Milia are more common in newborns and older adults.
Sun exposure: Sun exposure can damage the skin and lead to the development of milia.
Certain medical conditions: Milia are more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as basal cell carcinoma and discoid lupus erythematosus.
Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and retinoids, can increase the risk of developing milia.

How to Get Rid of Milia

There are a number of ways to get rid of milia. Some of the most common methods include:

Over-the-counter products

There are a number of over-the-counter products that can be used to treat milia. These products typically contain ingredients that help to break down keratin and remove it from the skin. Some of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter milia treatments include:
Salicylic acid
Glycolic acid
Lactic acid
Retinoids

Dermatologist treatments

If over-the-counter products do not work, you may need to see a dermatologist for treatment. Dermatologists can use a variety of methods to remove milia, including:
Extraction: Extraction is a procedure in which the dermatologist uses a sterile needle to remove the milia.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a procedure in which the dermatologist uses a laser to remove the milia.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy is a procedure in which the dermatologist uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the milia.

Home remedies

There are a number of home remedies that can be used to treat milia. These remedies are not as effective as over-the-counter products or dermatologist treatments, but they may be helpful in reducing the appearance of milia:
Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the milia can help to soften the keratin and make it easier to remove.
Exfoliation: Exfoliating the skin can help to remove dead skin cells and make the milia less noticeable.
Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce the appearance of milia.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent milia, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them, including:
Protect your skin from the sun: Sun exposure can damage the skin and lead to the development of milia.
Avoid using harsh skincare products: Harsh skincare products can irritate the skin and make it more likely to develop milia.
See a dermatologist regularly: If you have a history of milia, seeing a dermatologist regularly can help to prevent them from coming back.

2024-10-30

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